Detectives hunting a rapist who attacked a teenager walking home were today studying new clues.

A Chronicle report yesterday showing an e-fit of the rapist prompted calls from all over the North East from people who believe they know who he may be.

Acting Det Insp Peter Bent, of Washington CID, leading the inquiry, said today: "We have had a very positive response and have had calls from all over the force area.

"We are appealing to people in the region to study the e-fit and see if they know anyone who fits the description." Police believe the rapist, who struck in Washington last month, may not be a local man.

A car which he may have used to escape after the attack was seen parked near the scene earlier.

The incident happened at around 9pm on July 22 after the victim, 16, travelled from Newcastle by bus.

She got off the bus in Albany Way, opposite the postal sorting office and was taking a short cut to Boston Avenue, Washington Village. The man pounced on her, dragged her into bushes and raped her. Police believe he left the scene in a dark red car. He is described as about 40 with blond hair, possibly with dyed brown streaks. He wore a blue baseball cap, blue jeans, a green jacket and brown shoes.

After speaking to the victim, officers have produced a sketch of the attacker's face and yesterday began house-to-house inquiries in streets next to the scene of the attack.